During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the strategic planning and development of land owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The meeting highlighted the challenges OHA faces in advancing its master plans, particularly in relation to community opposition and regulatory hurdles.

Trustee Gallateria inquired about the number of master plans OHA has developed since acquiring the property in 2012. It was revealed that OHA has produced two master plans and a financial study, but the latter was not classified as a master plan. The ongoing opposition from the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) was also a focal point, with concerns raised about community sentiment against residential development on the property. Linda, a representative, noted that HCDA's stance often reflects the loudest community voices, which currently lean against residential projects.

The relationship with neighboring landowners was discussed, with Kamehameha Schools expressing support for OHA's initiatives. However, the sentiment among other developers, such as Howard Hughes, remains cautious due to the prevailing political climate regarding housing development.

Trustee Trask raised concerns about the contracts with Peregrine and Peninsula Real Estate, questioning the lack of deliverables despite significant payments over the past three years. This prompted a heated exchange regarding the transparency and accountability of these contracts, with Trask indicating potential federal scrutiny of the matter.

The meeting concluded with a call for consensus on the preferred course of action for OHA's development strategy, whether it be a joint venture, sale, or master ground lease. The urgency of finalizing recommendations by the end of the month was emphasized, as OHA seeks to navigate the complexities of land development while addressing community concerns and regulatory challenges.